Thursday, April 22, 2010
Despite the “We speak English here – ban immigration” signs prevalent throughout numerous Tea Party rallies of recent months, Americans are coming into contact with other cultures at an increasing rate, whether they like it or not. This “exposure” could come from French section of the instruction manual for the electrical blanket that Grandma gave as a Christmas gift, ordering a “taco” from Taco Bueno or even listening to Christopher Waltz’s German in “Inglourious Basterds.” (Sadly, watching “Lopez Tonight” does not count as foreign cultural exposure, despite the comedian’s repeated use of “guido” – although he is bringing the party back to late night, thanks to TBS.)
In all seriousness, students should take advantage of the opportunities available on our campus to learn, or at least introduce, a foreign language into their studies. Some majors have minimum foreign language requirements. For example, to graduate with a journalism degree a student must complete four semesters’ of a language. When I first heard about this requirement I’ll admit I wasn’t exactly thrilled.
Although I came to the University with two years of high school Spanish on my transcript, I knew that I would be required to take several language classes. Despite the fact that I remembered little more from my high school class than the present tense of “hablar” I decided to put aside any doubts on the first day of Spanish 111 and see where the class would lead me.
The results have been gratifying, to say the least. In just a few weeks, I will be on a plane bound for Costa Rica. This trip is an attempt to strengthen my Spanish skills, a language that I have unexpectedly come to enjoy.
It’s true that some people may have no desire to learn another language, but if a recent article in the Spanish magazine “El País” gives any indication, cases such as these seem to be fading quickly.
The article explains there are even more people in the U.S. who speak Spanish than in Spain. What’s more, the article estimates that by 2050, there will be more Spanish speakers in America than in Mexico.
It’s true that foreign language classes can be more challenging than some other courses. But it’s also obvious what will be more rewarding in the long run. Being able to communicate with a German speaker at a restaurant, for example, should have greater value than knowing the right answer to a multiple-choice question that will be soon forgotten.
For my program in Costa Rica through the Office of Study Abroad, every person accepted received at least a $500 scholarship, regardless of need or merit. My experience with University faculty familiar with the program has been beneficial and productive. The program coordinators practically guarantee that students will not leave the country with any questions unanswered.
There’s always the benefit of padding a resume with a language skill. More importantly, however, is the personal benefit of being able to communicate and connect with people from around the world.
True, conversations in other tongues can be just as boring, mundane or pointless as those in English. But the beauty of a foreign language is that a conversation that is boring by our standards instantly becomes exciting when you experience the satisfaction of being able to translate it.
I feel a sense of accomplishment when I understand Spanish, regardless of the dialogue’s depth. If more students explored something different and out of their comfort zone, America could be a little more cultured than Taco Bueno, Panda Express and Runza.
— Boultinghouse is a sophomore from Girard in history and journalism.
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